That is a luxury, however, that the players can’t afford. All focus needs to be on the visit of Toulon to Scotstoun on Saturday afternoon for Glasgow’s first ever home Champions Cup quarter-final. To look beyond that would be an “arrogance” that won’t serve the Warriors well as they prepare to welcome the three-time European champions.
“No, we’re fully focused on the game at hand,” replied Willamson firmly when asked if had allowed himself to dream a little about finals featuring in his future. “I think when you start looking ahead and thinking about the final and things, it distracts from the main challenge, which is this game. I think it would be arrogant of ourselves to be thinking about the final with Toulon coming here and the quality they have. They’re dangerous and stacked with full internationals.
“It’s always good to test yourself against them. [We’ve played them twice] over the last couple of years and it’s been some good battles. I know they’re not maybe doing as well in the Top 14 but we know what they can bring. They’ve won this tournament before, so we’re not kidding ourselves about the challenge ahead. Scotstoun was bouncing on the weekend [for the last 16 win over the Bulls] and I imagine it’s going to be the same again this weekend, which adds to the whole thing so much. It’s massive for us to have that.”
Second row was for so long the most competitive area of the Glasgow squad but the need for that depth has become clear in the last few weeks and the injuries sustained by Gregor Brown, Scott Cummings and Alex Craig. Williamson, who scored for a second match on the spin, started alongside Alex Samuel in the boiler room against the Bulls, with Euan Ferrie and Jare Oguntibeju providing cover from the bench.
Wiliamson added: “Yeah, it’s funny, isn’t it? We had six second-rows a few weeks ago and now we’re down to three! [plus auxiliary man Ferrie]. But we’ve still got loads of competition in there. There are young guys ready to step up if anyone else was to go down. So, we’re good and I think Scott is not too far away [from a comeback] as well. Personally, it’s been brilliant to be back involved over the last couple of weeks. I’ve really enjoyed it. And I’m excited to go again on the weekend.
“It definitely wasn’t our best performance [against the Bulls]. We know we can be a lot better there but we found a way and I think that’s what knockout rugby is about. But we’re definitely looking to put a better performance out this week.”